Flender walked up to the eight students, his raspy voice carrying clearly as he spoke, "This year's not bad at all. Our academy has gained five new little monsters. I am the headmaster of Shrek Academy. Later, go to Teacher Li to pay your registration fee—one hundred gold soul coins. That's it. Mubai!"
Dai Mubai immediately stepped forward. Toward Flender, he showed nothing but respect, even bordering on admiration. "Headmaster, I'm here."
"…Where did this guy pop out from?" Lin Jie muttered to himself. He hadn't noticed this guy just moments ago, and now suddenly, he was standing front and center.
Flender continued, "This year, five junior brothers and sisters have joined the academy. Mubai, explain the academy rules to them and help them get settled. Our first class begins tonight. As for Oscar and Ning Rongrong, you two are exceptions. You'll come with me now."
Oscar's face immediately fell when he heard that, clearly reluctant, but he still stepped forward to salute Flender. When he saw Ning Rongrong walking up beside him, his expression lightened considerably. Evidently, this guy was quite the romantic.
Flender turned back to the others and said, "You're dismissed for now. Rest well. Our academy's teaching methods are… dangerous."
Lin Jie knew exactly what that meant. The so-called "first class" sounded nice, but in truth, it meant battle in the Soul Arena. Still, the method was undeniably effective—real combat did indeed help one grow faster.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Lin Jie but didn't say a word, turning and walking away. Lin Jie also returned to his room—he had more important things to handle.
Dai Mubai wanted to follow Zhu Zhuqing but hesitated for some reason and ultimately didn't. Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, disappeared with surprising speed. Tang San remained where he was, and Xiao Wu stayed by his side.
Meanwhile, Flender turned to Oscar and Ning Rongrong. "You two are both support-type Soul Masters. One grants attribute boosts, the other is of the food system. Soul Masters like you will always need protection from your teammates, or else you won't survive long. Oscar, tell me—how should a support-type Soul Master protect themselves in combat?"
Oscar responded quickly, "Stay behind your teammates as much as possible and use the terrain to hide or escape."
Flender nodded. "Not bad. But let me add something. For a support-type Soul Master, escape is a vital skill. A support who can't run isn't a good Soul Master. And running takes stamina—something you both clearly lack right now."
Flender had a few more words for Tang San, then left. What followed was Oscar and Ning Rongrong doing laps around the village. Lin Jie vaguely remembered how this part played out.
—
Meanwhile, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was rather lively. A young man respectfully reported to the clan master seated in the main hall: "Reporting to the Clan Master—our young lady has arrived at Shrek Academy and passed the entrance trials."
The middle-aged clan master nodded, though his expression held a trace of helplessness. "It's good for that little ancestor to go out and gain some experience. Otherwise, she'll turn the entire clan upside down. What's the situation at Shrek Academy?"
Before the subordinate could reply, a thunderous voice echoed from another part of the hall. "If anything happens to Rongrong, I'll hold you accountable! My old bones are getting stiff—I'll go find Old Bone Dragon for a spar!"
—
Back in his room, Lin Jie was fiddling with his equipment—or more precisely, his soul tools.
As night fell, Headmaster Flender stood tall on the training field, facing the eight students.
Then came the infamous tongue-lashing aimed at Ning Rongrong. The typically proud girl was almost reduced to tears by Flender's scolding. Huffing and puffing, she ran out to complete the rest of her punishment laps. Oscar, of course, followed her like a little puppy.
Flender said nothing more on the way. The rest of the group followed in silence.
Lin Jie knew they were heading for the Soto City Great Spirit Arena, and saw no need for small talk.
Before long, they reached their destination: Soto City.
The city wasn't far from Shrek Academy. Only when they neared the southern gates did Flender finally slow down, allowing the students to catch up.
Soto City, located within the Balak Kingdom, wasn't under threat from outside forces. Its gates remained open day and night. The group of seven entered the city with ease.
Though night had fallen, Soto City was even livelier than during the day. The streets were lit brightly, shops were bustling, and nighttime vendors were out in full force, hawking snacks and trinkets.
Lin Jie strolled lazily behind Flender, unhurried.
He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing beside him—she was the same as ever. Cold and aloof, as though none of the outside world mattered. Her gaze remained forward, only occasionally flickering in his direction.
Flender suddenly stopped and muttered to himself, "Still some time left. Follow me."
He led them into a small teahouse for a quick lecture.
Lin Jie half-listened.
Flender gave them an overview of the Soul Arena system and the badge rankings: Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold, Purple-Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—eight tiers in total.
His gaze swept over the five students before him. "Your task before graduation is to earn at least a Silver Spirit Arena Badge. Understood?"
They entered the Soto Great Spirit Arena. The venue was oval-shaped, reaching a height of 120 meters. Inside, there was one main arena and 24 smaller ones. The arena could accommodate 60,000 spectators and featured over a hundred VIP viewing boxes.
It was a place not only for Soul Masters to compete and exchange techniques but also for major factions to showcase their power.
Each of them registered for matches. Lin Jie thought the one-match-per-day rule was a bit limiting, so he grabbed Zhu Zhuqing and signed up for a two-person team match.
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed him.
Due to their levels—28th-rank for Zhu Zhuqing and 32nd for Lin Jie—they had to compete in the Soul Elder division. Lin Jie didn't mind at all.
Having registered, it was time for Zhu Zhuqing's solo match against Tang San.
The announcer briefly introduced their names and spirits, then signaled for the match to begin.
"Please," Tang San said politely, gesturing in Zhu Zhuqing's direction.
Zhu Zhuqing, unsure of Tang San's strength, didn't waste words. "Let's begin," she said coolly.
As soon as the match started, both combatants unleashed their spirits.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes turned—one dark green, one bright blue. A pair of cat ears perked atop her head, and her hands transformed into sharp claws. Her body lowered into a predatory crouch, her gaze locked onto Tang San like a panther eyeing its prey. Two yellow spirit rings glowed around her, and a chilling aura radiated from her form.
Tang San mirrored her, summoning his Blue Silver Grass, which slithered across the arena floor like a living serpent, quickly spreading across most of the platform.
He observed Zhu Zhuqing calmly.
He already believed he had won.
As a control-type Battle Soul Master, he inherently countered Zhu Zhuqing's agility-type style. Plus, the stage limited her speed—this battle, in his eyes, had no suspense.
As the Blue Silver Grass closed in, Zhu Zhuqing knew she couldn't wait. Her body launched forward in a blur of afterimages, darting toward Tang San from the front.
Her first soul skill, Hell Rush, activated. In midair, her claws extended like blades. With a sudden twist, she altered direction and doubled her speed, angling sharply toward Tang San.
Tang San, calm as ever, simply sidestepped.
Lin Jie noticed a faint purple gleam flash in Tang San's eyes—clearly the Purple Demon Eye in action.